are shingles contegous? If so how gan you get them from someone?

Customer Question

In order to get shingles you have to have had chickenpox at some point in the past. The virus that causes chickenpox then lies dormant until the immune system is damaged (usually in older age) and then shingles occurs along an affected nerve.

It is possible for someone with active shingles blisters to give chickenpox to someone who has never had chickenpox but they cannot get shingles direct.